She’s owned the BIIF, conquered the Big Sky and has traveled the mainland earning a paycheck on two of women’s golf’s developmental tours. ADVERTISING She’s owned the BIIF, conquered the Big Sky and has traveled the mainland earning a paycheck
She’s owned the BIIF, conquered the Big Sky and has traveled the mainland earning a paycheck on two of women’s golf’s developmental tours.
Along the way, Britney Yada has learned a thing or two about reaching the ultimate prize.
“I know I belong there and have what it takes,” she said.
Yada understands about getting “there” because she’s been here two times before.
“Let’s go with the saying ‘Third time’s the charm!’ Yada wrote in an email to the Tribune-Herald.
She shrugged off a third-round 77 last weekend in Venice, Florida, closing with a even-par 72 to clear Stage II of LPGA Qualifying School. Yada gets her third crack at the final stage, and an LPGA Tour card, at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida, in early December.
“Unlike the last two times, this time I feel more comfortable,” she said. “I definitely have more confidence in myself this time.”
Even if she falls short again, Yada still can bank on another year on the Symetra Tour, the Triple-A of women’s golf. She’s practically outgrown the Cactus Tour, where Yada is the 2016 money leader, winning five times in 12 tries and pocketing $22,130.
Her earnings have been more modest on the Symetra Tour this season. In 17 events she’s earned just under $17,000 and is 58th on the money list.
Yada, a three-time BIIF champion at Waiakea who went on to win a Big Sky Conference title at Portland State, got a taste of the big time in May when she qualified for the Kingsmill Championship. Though her LPGA Tour debut lasted just two rounds, the experience left her believing that her ball-striking was on par with the best of them.
She’ll spend the coming weeks trying to shore up other aspects of her game.
“This year, I made my short game my main priority,” Yada said. “It’s definitely gotten better, but needs to continue to improve leading up to Stage 3.”
Hilo’s Kimberly Kim fell short in Stage 2, finishing near the bottom of the 193-player field.
